Is this walking route suitable for families?

Yes, it is family-friendly. Children often enjoy the climb up the Tour Pey Berland and the local legend of rubbing Montaigne's foot for luck.

Can I see the tomb of Michel de Montaigne?

Yes, his cenotaph is prominently displayed in the Musée d'Aquitaine. It is a major highlight of the museum's Renaissance collection.

What is the best time of day for this walk?

Late morning is ideal. This allows you to visit the Cathedral before it closes for midday and ensures the museum and library are open for your arrival.

Is the Library Mériadeck open to the public?

Yes, the library is open to the public for free. Visitors can explore its modern architecture and access a wide range of literary resources.

Are there many hills on this route?

No, this part of Bordeaux is exceptionally flat. The route is very easy to walk and is accessible for those with strollers or limited mobility.

What is the significance of the Tour Pey Berland?

It is a separate bell tower built in the 15th century. It was constructed apart from the cathedral to prevent the vibrations of the bells from damaging the main structure's foundations.

Where does the walk begin?

The walk starts at Place Pey Berland, right in front of the Cathédrale Saint-André. This location is easily reached by Tram lines A and B at the Hôtel de Ville stop.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Bordeaux is often celebrated for its viticulture, but its true vintage lies in the minds of the thinkers who paced its streets. This self-guided walk invites you to step into the world of the city’s intellectual giants, from the skeptical Michel de Montaigne to the political visionary Montesquieu. As you navigate the historic Centre Ville, you will discover that the city’s stones speak of more than just trade; they echo with the debates of the Enlightenment and the quiet contemplation of the Renaissance. The route begins at the majestic Cathédrale Saint-André, a site of royal weddings and spiritual gravity, before moving to the iconic Tour Pey Berland. From there, you’ll delve into the regional history preserved within the Musée d'Aquitaine, which houses the celebrated cenotaph of Montaigne himself. This walking route is designed for those who find joy in the intersection of history and philosophy, offering a narrative that links the physical landscape to the evolution of human thought. A highlight of this neighborhood stroll is the encounter with the statue of Montaigne, where locals and visitors alike pause to pay homage to the author of the 'Essays.' You’ll also see the educational legacy at the Lycée Michel de Montaigne and conclude at the Library Mériadeck, a modernist temple of literature that stands in striking contrast to the medieval and neoclassical architecture of the city center. Exploring this walking tour Bordeaux allows you to move at your own pace, pausing to reflect on a passage of text or a view of a spire whenever the mood strikes. Whether you are a bibliophile, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this self-guided adventure offers a unique perspective on the city. It is a chance to see how the intellectual climate of the past shaped the vibrant, culturally rich Bordeaux of today. By following this walking tour Bordeaux, you engage with the city not just as a tourist, but as a student of the human experience, walking the same paths where some of the world's most influential ideas were born.

Highlights

The Gothic grandeur of Cathédrale Saint-André

The panoramic views from the Tour Pey Berland

Michel de Montaigne’s ornate cenotaph in the Musée d'Aquitaine

The historic Lycée Michel de Montaigne

The 'lucky' statue of Montaigne at Place des Quinconces

The modernist architectural marvel of Library Mériadeck

Tour Stops (6)

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Welcome to the spiritual and historic heart of Bordeaux. This magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has stood as a witness to centuries of intellectual and political transformation. It was here, in 1137, that Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future King Louis VII of France, a union that reshaped the map of Europe. As you admire the soaring arches and intricate stone carvings, consider the role this site played as a center of learning during the Middle Ages. The cathedral was not just a place of worship but a hub where scholars and clerics debated the defining questions of their time, laying the groundwork for the humanism that would later flourish in the city.

Tour Pey Berland

Standing separate from the cathedral to protect the main structure from the vibrations of its massive bells, the Tour Pey Berland is a masterpiece of 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Named after Archbishop Pey Berland, who was a significant patron of the arts and education in Bordeaux, the tower represents the city's upward aspirations. While the tower itself is a feat of engineering, it also serves as a symbol of the tension between tradition and progress. In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, the bells were silenced and the tower was used for industrial purposes, reflecting the shifting priorities of a city moving toward reason and commerce.

Musée d'Aquitaine

The Musée d'Aquitaine is housed in the former building of the Faculty of Letters and Sciences, making it a fitting stop on our intellectual route. Inside, you will find one of the city's most precious literary treasures: the cenotaph of Michel de Montaigne. This elaborate 16th-century tomb, adorned with a reclining figure of the philosopher in armor, was originally located in the Convent of the Feuillants. Montaigne, a former mayor of Bordeaux, is best known for his 'Essays,' a work that pioneered the modern essay form and championed the idea of intellectual skepticism. His famous question, 'Que sais-je?' or 'What do I know?', remains a cornerstone of Western philosophy.

Lycée Michel de Montaigne

This prestigious educational institution occupies the site of a former Jesuit college founded in the 16th century. It was renamed in honor of Montaigne to celebrate the city’s commitment to humanistic education. For centuries, this site has been the training ground for Bordeaux’s elite, fostering the minds of countless writers, scientists, and political leaders. The architecture reflects the sober, disciplined atmosphere of classical French education. As you walk past, imagine the generations of students who have studied the classics within these walls, continuing the long tradition of intellectual rigor that defines the scholarly identity of the neighborhood.

Statue de Michel de Montaigne

Located across from the historic university buildings, this statue of Montaigne is a beloved local landmark. Notice how the philosopher’s right foot is polished to a bright shine. This is due to a long-standing tradition among students who rub the foot for good luck before their exams. Montaigne is depicted in a relaxed, contemplative pose, holding a book, which perfectly captures his approachable and inquisitive nature. He believed that the study of oneself was the most important pursuit of all. Take a moment here to reflect on his legacy; his work taught the world that wisdom begins with the honest admission of our own limitations and the constant questioning of the status quo.

Library Mériadeck

We conclude our route at the Library Mériadeck, one of the largest public libraries in France. Its bold, brutalist architecture stands in sharp contrast to the historic stone facades we have seen so far. Built in the 1970s as part of the Mériadeck district's modernization, it represents the contemporary evolution of Bordeaux’s intellectual life. The library houses over a million documents, including rare manuscripts and early editions of works by Montaigne and Montesquieu. It serves as a democratic space for knowledge, ensuring that the literary heritage of the past remains accessible to everyone in the present. It is a fitting end to a journey through the history of thought, bridging the gap between the Renaissance and the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), making it an easy stroll through the city center.